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               Korea, South, officially known as the Republic of Korea, country in northeastern Asia that occupies the southern portion of the Korea Peninsula. Korea has numerous offshore islands in the south and west, the largest of which is Cheju (area, 1,845 sq km/712 sq mi).

            South Korea has a predominantly rugged, mountainous terrain. The principal range is the T'aebaek-sanmaek, which extends in a generally north-south direction parallel to the eastern coast. The country's highest peak, located on the island of Cheju, is Halla-san (1,950 m/6,398 ft). Plains constitute less than one-fifth the total area and are concentrated in the west along the coast. The country's two longest rivers, the Naktong and Han, rise in the T'aebaek-sanmaek, the former flowing south to the Korea Strait, the latter northwest to the Yellow Sea. Other major rivers include the Kum, Yongsan, and Tongjin.

             South Korea, like North Korea, is one of the most ethnically homogeneous countries in the world. Aside from a resident foreign population of about 55,000 (mainly Chinese), the country has no racial or linguistic minorities. Because of the mixed racial character of the present-day Korean population, it is believed that the ancestors of the Koreans included immigrants from the northern part of the Asian mainland.

General Information

Taxi - In urban areas, taxis are easily available. In rural areas, fares must be negotiated. Taxi can be booked by 
         telephone. A 20% surcharge is applied from midnight to 4.00am.

Bus - Comfortable and reliable coaches connect major cities and resorts. Fares are reasonable.

Railway - The Korean National Railroad Network connects major cities and the trains are reliable.

Subway - Seoul has an efficient system, with trains running every few minutes.

Driving - Traffic keeps to the right.

Local calls can be made from red or green public phones using two W10 coins. Long distance calls can be made on grey public phones. Telegram, 24-hour telex and telephone services are also available at post offices. Post offices are open from 9.00am to 6.00pm, Monday to Saturday. 

Economy

Major Exports : Steel, ships, chemicals, electronics, textiles and clothing, plywood and fish.

Major Imports : Consumer goods, capital goods, raw materials and crude oil.

Major Trading Partners : Japan, Hong Kong, US, Australia, Canada and UK.

Business Hours

Government and business offices are open from 9.00am to 6.00pm, Monday to Friday and 9.00am to 1.00pm on Saturday. 

Banks

Over 55 international banks are represented in Seoul. The Bank of Korea is the national bank. Banking hours start from 9.30am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday and 9.30am to 1.00pm on Saturday.

Health

Yellow fever and cholera vaccinations are required if arriving from infected areas. Vaccinations against typhoid and polio are recommended, as are precautions against malaria.

Climate

South Korea has a basically continental climate, with cold, dry winters and hot, rainy summers. In Seoul the average January temperature range is -7° to 1°C (19° to 33°F), and the average July temperature range is 22° to 29°C (71° to 83°F). Winter temperatures are higher along the southern coast and considerably lower in the mountainous interior. The average annual precipitation in Seoul is 1,370 mm (54 in), and in Pusan it is 1,470 mm (58 in). Rainfall is concentrated in the summer months (June to September). The southern coast is subject to late summer typhoons that bring strong winds and heavy rains.

Traveller's Tips

Air-raid drills are usually conducted on the 15th day of each month. If outdoors, visitors are advised to follow the crowd to an underpass or subway station. Remove shoes when entering a home. The right hand should be used to receive or give things.

Eating Out

Chinese, Japanese and Western cuisine are available in most hotels. Typical dishes include Bulgogi ( a barbecued beef dish), and Kimchi (spiced, pickled cabbage).

Visas

Visitors can stay in the country for 15 days without visa if they have an onward ticket and they are not from a country not recognised by South Korea. Extension of visa after the first 15 days is then required.
Extension last for around 90 days. Visitors can stay in the country for up to 180 days without visa if they are from western Europe of Canada.

Light and casual wear is suitable during summer. Wear warmer clothes during winter. Suits with ties are standard for business meetings. Use jackets and evening gowns for social functions.

For Further Information

Korea National Tourism Organization
10 Da-Dong, Jung-gu, Seoul 100180
Tel : 02-279-9600
Fax : 02-319-0086

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